Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education website.

Information from Your Family Doctor

Cholesterol: Tips for Children With High Cholesterol

Am Fam Physician. 2004 Feb 15;69(4):937-938.

What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is an unhealthy amount of cholesterol in the blood. A high level of cholesterol can cause heart problems when your child gets older. High cholesterol can be lowered with weight loss, exercise, and changes in what your child eats.

How can I help my child eat right?

The first step to reducing cholesterol levels is to follow the “step 1” diet of the American Heart Association. This diet is low in cholesterol and saturated fat (which come from animal food products, such as meat, butter, and cheese), and high in complex carbohydrates (which come from plant products, such as whole grains). It provides energy and protein for normal activity and growth.

What are some examples of good foods?

Breakfast: The first meal of the day is a good time to give your child foods that are high in fiber, such as whole-grain cereals and breads and fresh fruit. Use skim or low-fat milk rather than whole milk or 2 percent milk. Low-fat cheeses and yogurt also are good breakfast foods.

Lunch: Use whole-grain breads and rolls to make a healthier sandwich. Whole grains increase the total fiber in your child's diet. Give your child whole-grain crackers with soups, chili, and stew. Always serve fresh fruit (with the skin) with meals.

Here are some ways to make healthier sandwiches:

Use low-fat or fat-free lunch meats. They are good in sandwiches or cut into strips on top of a salad.

Put leftover chicken or turkey strips in a tortilla to make a cold fajita (add strips of raw red and green peppers and onions). Use fat-free sour cream as a dressing.

Cut up vegetables such as onion, carrot, celery, and green peppers to add to tuna salad. Mix vegetables and water-packed tuna with fat-free mayonnaise or, for a different taste, mix with a fat-free salad dressing.

Chunky bits of leftover chicken mixed with fat-free mayonnaise, raisins, shredded carrots, and sliced almonds makes a great chicken salad. Serve it in a pita-bread pocket. Top it with salsa for a Southwestern flavor.

Mix cranberry sauce and fat-free mayonnaise to add to a turkey sandwich.

Put natural peanut butter together with an all-fruit jelly for an old favorite.

Sliced ham and low-fat or fat-free cheese with honey mustard is great on rye bread.

Low-fat cheese makes a good sandwich with tomato slices and mustard or fat-free mayonnaise on a roll.

Slice leftover pork tenderloin and top with barbecue sauce for a hot or cold sandwich.

Make grilled-cheese sandwiches with low-fat or fat-free cheese. Serve them with raw carrot and celery sticks.

Snacks that are good for children

Fruits, vegetables, breads, and cereals make great snacks for children. Here are some ideas for ways to serve these foods: